This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Another small house looking for "TLC". House was given an exterior refresher by opening up the front enclosed porch to an open porch for a more welcoming feel along with new windows and siding. On the interior we moved the front door and created an open floor plan and provided more light to turn this little old house in to a cute gem! Front Door Photography

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Bring a warm splendor to walls with this heavy-weight Italian wallpaper that's designed in a rich wheat hue, and complimented with exquisite texture effects and dazzling ornate shimmer.

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This stunning modern farmhouse bathroom remodel is a study in contrasts, seamlessly blending rustic and contemporary elements to create a warm and inviting space. In this view, you can see both the gorgeous white porcelain soaking tub and the spacious walk-in shower. The tub is surrounded by sleek subway tiles with dark grout, while the shower features larger white tiles with black grout for a striking effect. The glass shower enclosure and minimalistic metal hardware add a touch of modernity to the space, while the wooden paneling on the walls provides warmth and texture. The double vanity boasts a beautiful white marble countertop, with ample storage space provided by the combination of drawers and open shelving. The metal-framed mirrors and modern pendant lighting complete the look, adding the perfect finishing touches to this stunning modern farmhouse bathroom remodel.

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

Midcentury modern home on Lake Sammamish. We used mixed materials and styles to add interest to this bright space. The built-in kitchen nook with custom tables is a regular meeting place for dinners and games for this family of five.

An Arts & Crafts Bungalow is one of my favorite styles of homes. We have quite a few of them in our Stockton Mid-Town area. And when C&L called us to help them remodel their 1923 American Bungalow, I was beyond thrilled. As per usual, when we get a new inquiry, we quickly Google the project location while we are talking to you on the phone. My excitement escalated when I saw the Google Earth Image of the sweet Sage Green bungalow in Mid-Town Stockton. "Yes, we would be interested in working with you," I said trying to keep my cool. But what made it even better was meeting C&L and touring their home, because they are the nicest young couple, eager to make their home period perfect. Unfortunately, it had been slightly molested by some bad house-flippers, and we needed to bring the bathroom back to it "roots." We knew we had to banish the hideous brown tile and cheap vanity quickly. But C&L complained about the condensation problems and the constant fight with mold. This immediately told me that improper remodeling had occurred and we needed to remedy that right away. The Before: Frustrations with a Botched Remodel The bathroom needed to be brought back to period appropriate design with all the functionality of a modern bathroom. We thought of things like marble countertop, white mosaic floor tiles, white subway tile, board and batten molding, and of course a fabulous wallpaper. This small (and only) bathroom on a tight budget required a little bit of design sleuthing to figure out how we could get the proper look and feel. Our goal was to determine where to splurge and where to economize and how to complete the remodel as quickly as possible because C&L would have to move out while construction was going on. The Process: Hard Work to Remedy Design and Function During our initial design study, (which included 2 hours in the owners’ home), we noticed framed images of William Morris Arts and Crafts textile patterns and knew this would be our design inspiration. We presented C&L with three options and they quickly selected the Pimpernel Design Concept. We had originally selected the Black and Olive colors with a black vanity, mirror, and black and white floor tile. C&L liked it but weren’t quite sure about the black, We went back to the drawing board and decided the William & Co Pimpernel Wallpaper in Bayleaf and Manilla color with a softer gray painted vanity and mirror and white floor tile was more to their liking. After the Design Concept was approved, we went to work securing the building permit, procuring all the elements, and scheduling our trusted tradesmen to perform the work. We did uncover some shoddy work by the flippers such as live electrical wires hidden behind the wall, plumbing venting cut-off and buried in the walls (hence the constant dampness), the tub barely balancing on two fence boards across the floor joist, and no insulation on the exterior wall. All of the previous blunders were fixed and the bathroom put back to its previous glory. We could feel the house thanking us for making it pretty again. The After Reveal: Cohesive Design Decisions We selected a simple white subway tile for the tub/shower. This is always classic and in keeping with the style of the house. We selected a pre-fab vanity and mirror, but they look rich with the quartz countertop. There is much more storage in this small vanity than you would think. The Transformation: A Period Perfect Refresh We began the remodel just as the pandemic reared and stay-in-place orders went into effect. As C&L were already moved out and living with relatives, we got the go-ahead from city officials to get the work done (after all, how can you shelter in place without a bathroom?). All our tradesmen were scheduled to work so that only one crew was on the job site at a time. We stayed on the original schedule with only a one week delay. The end result is the sweetest little bathroom I've ever seen (and I can't wait to start work on C&L's kitchen next). Thank you for joining me in this project transformation. I hope this inspired you to think about being creative with your design projects, determining what works best in keeping with the architecture of your space, and carefully assessing how you can have the best life in your home.

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This modern green home offers both a vacation destination on Cape Cod near local family members and an opportunity for rental income. FAMILY ROOTS. A West Coast couple living in the San Francisco Bay Area sought a permanent East Coast vacation home near family members living on Cape Cod. As academic professionals focused on sustainability, they sought a green, energy efficient home that was well-aligned with their values. With no green homes available for sale on Cape Cod, they decided to purchase land near their family and build their own. SLOPED SITE. Comprised of a 3/4 acre lot nestled in the pines, the steeply sloping terrain called for a plan that embraced and took advantage of the slope. Of equal priority was optimizing solar exposure, preserving privacy from abutters, and creating outdoor living space. The design accomplished these goals with a simple, rectilinear form, offering living space on the both entry and lower/basement levels. The stepped foundation allows for a walk-out basement level with light-filled living space on the down-hill side of the home. The traditional basement on the eastern, up-hill side houses mechanical equipment and a home gym. The house welcomes natural light throughout, captures views of the forest, and delivers entertainment space that connects indoor living space to outdoor deck and dining patio. MODERN VISION. The clean building form and uncomplicated finishes pay homage to the modern architectural legacy on the outer Cape. Durable and economical fiber cement panels, fixed with aluminum channels, clad the primary form. Cedar clapboards provide a visual accent at the south-facing living room, which extends a single roof plane to cover the entry porch. SMART USE OF SPACE. On the entry level, the “L”-shaped living, dining, and kitchen space connects to the exterior living, dining, and grilling spaces to effectively double the home’s summertime entertainment area. Placed at the western end of the entry level (where it can retain privacy but still claim expansive downhill views) is the master suite with a built-in study. The lower level has two guest bedrooms, a second full bathroom, and laundry. The flexibility of the space—crucial in a house with a modest footprint—emerges in one of the guest bedrooms, which doubles as home office by opening the barn-style double doors to connect it to the bright, airy open stair leading up to the entry level. Thoughtful design, generous ceiling heights and large windows transform the modest 1,100 sf* footprint into a well-lit, spacious home. *(total finished space is 1800 sf) RENTAL INCOME. The property works for its owners by netting rental income when the owners are home in San Francisco. The house especially caters to vacationers bound for nearby Mayo Beach and includes an outdoor shower adjacent to the lower level entry door. In contrast to the bare bones cottages that are typically available on the Cape, this home offers prospective tenants a modern aesthetic, paired with luxurious and green features. Durable finishes inside and out will ensure longevity with the heavier use that comes with a rental property. COMFORT YEAR-ROUND. The home is super-insulated and air-tight, with mechanical ventilation to provide continuous fresh air from the outside. High performance triple-paned windows complement the building enclosure and maximize passive solar gain while ensuring a warm, draft-free winter, even when sitting close to the glass. A properly sized air source heat pump offers efficient heating & cooling, and includes a carefully designed the duct distribution system to provide even comfort throughout the house. The super-insulated envelope allows us to significantly reduce the equipment capacity, duct size, and airflow quantities, while maintaining unparalleled thermal comfort. ENERGY EFFICIENT. The building’s shell and mechanical systems play instrumental roles in the home’s exceptional performance. The building enclosure reduces the most significant energy glutton: heating. Continuous super-insulation, thorough air sealing, triple-pane windows, and passive solar gain work together to yield a miniscule heating load. All active energy consumers are extremely efficient: an air source heat pump for heating and cooling, a heat pump hot water heater, LED lighting, energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and high efficiency appliances. The result is a home that uses 70% less energy than a similar new home built to code requirements. OVERALL. The home embodies the owners’ goals and values while comprehensively enabling thermal comfort, energy efficiency, a vacation respite, and supplementary income. PROJECT TEAM ZeroEnergy Design - Architect & Mechanical Designer A.F. Hultin & Co. - Contractor Pamet Valley Landscape Design - Landscape & Masonry Lisa Finch - Original Artwork European Architectural Supply - Windows Eric Roth Photography - Photography

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company

This innovative three-story staircase showcases engineering and design in perfect harmony. Each level cantilevers from two central spine beams, creating a floating effect that spans the entire vertical space. Thick dark-stained oak treads appear to hover without visible support, while the absence of risers maintains complete transparency. The defining feature is the glass landings at each level. Combined with the open-riser design, these transparent platforms allow natural light to cascade freely through the stairwell and into adjacent living areas. The result is an ultra-modern staircase that transforms vertical circulation into a study of light and space. 1976-2026 © Century Stair Company